Everything you need to know about moving to Portugal

Planning a move to Portugal? If you already know your favourite spots, your go-to cafés and how daily life feels on the ground, this guide will help you turn repeat visits into something more permanent.

If Portugal already feels familiar, you’ll know it’s the little things that stay with you – the morning coffee taken standing at the counter, the unhurried pace of a midweek lunch, the way everyday errands rarely feel rushed. But moving to Portugal means shifting from visitor to resident. From securing the right visa to understanding how property and residency fit together, here’s how to make it work in practice.

Download the Emigration Guide

Moving to Portugal starts with understanding your visa options

If you’re moving to Portugal from outside the EU, including the UK, you’ll need a visa if you plan to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period.

Portugal offers several long-stay visa routes depending on your circumstances. These are known as Type D visas and are typically valid for four months, giving you time to enter Portugal and apply for residency.

The most common options include:

• D7 visa – for retirees or those with passive income
• D8 visa – for remote workers earning overseas income
• D2 visa – for entrepreneurs or freelancers
• D1 visa – for those with a Portuguese job offer

Each route has specific requirements, but all lead to a residence permit once you arrive.

The 90-day rule and what it means for you

Before committing to moving to Portugal, it’s important to understand the Schengen 90/180 rule.

As a non-EU citizen, you can spend up to 90 days in Portugal within any 180-day period without a visa.

This works well if you’re using a property as a holiday home. But if you want to live there permanently or semi-permanently, you’ll need a long-stay visa. Overstaying can lead to fines or restrictions on future travel, so it’s worth tracking your days carefully.

Choosing the right visa for your lifestyle

Your reason for moving to Portugal should guide your visa choice.

If you’re retiring or living off savings, the D7 visa is often the most straightforward route. It requires proof of regular income, typically aligned with Portugal’s minimum wage, and a residential address.

If you’re working remotely, the D8 digital nomad visa may be more suitable. This requires a higher income threshold and proof that your earnings come from outside Portugal.

Entrepreneurs and freelancers can apply through the D2 visa, which involves presenting a viable business plan and financial backing.

Whichever route you choose, getting your visa is just the first step.

From visa to residency in Portugal

Once you arrive, you’ll need to convert your visa into a residence permit through AIMA, Portugal’s immigration authority.

Your initial residence permit is usually valid for two years and can be renewed. To maintain it, you’ll need to meet minimum stay requirements and continue to satisfy the conditions of your visa.

After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, provided you meet the criteria.

This is often referred to as the “five-year rule”, and it’s a key milestone for many buyers planning a long-term move.

Buying property when moving to Portugal

One of the biggest misconceptions is that buying a home gives you the right to live in Portugal. It doesn’t.

You can buy property in Portugal without being a resident, and there are no restrictions on foreign buyers.

However, property ownership does not grant residency. If you want to live there full-time, you still need the appropriate visa.

That said, owning a property can strengthen your visa application, as it demonstrates you have accommodation in Portugal.

What you need for a successful application

When applying for a visa and residency, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents, including:

• Proof of accommodation – property deed or rental contract
• Evidence of income or savings
• A Portuguese tax number (NIF)
• Health insurance
• A clean criminal record certificate

These requirements are consistent across most visa types and form the foundation of your application.

Getting this right early can save weeks of delays.

Planning the practical side of moving to Portugal

Beyond visas and property, the logistics of your move matter just as much.

If you’re relocating from the UK, you’ll need to plan your removals carefully. Options range from full-service international movers to handling the move yourself.

If you’re moving your main residence, you may be able to import your belongings without paying customs duties, provided you meet specific conditions and complete the correct paperwork.

Timing is key here. Booking removals early and preparing documentation can make the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one.

Bringing pets

For many buyers, moving to Portugal includes bringing pets. The process is straightforward but requires preparation.

You’ll need:

• A microchip
• A valid rabies vaccination
• An animal health certificate issued before travel

These rules apply post-Brexit and must be followed carefully to avoid delays at the border.

Once you arrive, pets must be registered locally. Veterinary care is widely available across the country.

Frequently asked questions about moving to Portugal